Strictly star Neil Jones has 'missed out on a celebrity dance partner again'

02 September 2023 , 20:26

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Strictly's Neil Jones and Love Island's Chyna Mills are expecting a baby girl this year

Strictly star Neil Jones has missed out on a celebrity partner for this year's series, sources say.

Neil, who has only been given two celebrity partners during his seven year stint on the show, is said to be gutted to have been overlooked. But insiders tonight said that he has shrugged off the snub - and is instead focusing on the imminent arrival of his first child. The professional dancer, previously wed to Katya Jones, and his fiancée Chyna Mills are expecting a baby girl later this year.

One insider said: "Of course it's disappointing, but Neil feels like he's won the lottery at the moment, so he won't be sweating it too much. "He and Chyna can't wait to welcome their new arrival, and at least his lesser role in this years' series means he will be able to be more hands-on."

Neil has previously only had two celebrity partners (BBC)

Neil, 41, who signed up for the show in 2016, has been paired in the past with celebrity contestants Alex Scott and Nina Wadia. But this year it is said he will appear only in group routines. Neil, who began dating Love Island star Chyna last summer, revealed earlier this year that the couple were expecting.

Speaking in June, as they shared their gender reveal, he told how impending fatherhood had changed his perspective on life. He told a magazine: "My outlook on life has changed - it's not just about me anymore. I have two people to look after." He also revealed he was receiving parenting advice from fellow pro Gorka Marquez, who has daughter Mia, four, and newborn son Thiago.

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Laura Armstrong